Alongside the uniform is his helmet, personal global positioning system and watch protector.

Memorial staff had to make a custom-sized mannequin to match the Corporal Roberts-Smith's towering two-metre frame.

AWM director Brendan Nelson says it is a unique acquisition.

"This is extremely important and significant that we have a uniform that was worn by an Australian soldier, worn during an action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross," he said.

The memorial has only one other such item in its collection, the uniform worn by Sergeant Stanley McDougall at the battle of Dernancourt in 1918.

But it is too fragile and can no longer go on display.

"Ben's uniform has undergone significant preservation and curatorial work and we are confident that it will certainly last the test of time," Dr Nelson said.

Corporal Roberts-Smith's uniform is part of a new display of items carried by Victoria Cross recipients during action in Afghanistan.

Other items include a utility knife and personal global positioning system used by Corporal Daniel Keighran, who was awarded the VC for acts of gallantry during an attack at Derapet in Uruzgan province in August 2010.

He exposed himself to enemy fire and drew fire away from his team.

'Filmic portrait' portrays corporal's acts of gallantry

AWM head of art Ryan Johnston says a video artwork portraying Corporal Mark Donaldson is also a significant part of the display.

Corporal Donaldson was awarded a VC for acts of gallantry during an ambush in Oruzgan Province in September 2008.

"It depicts Mark Donaldson in the back of a Black Hawk helicopter following a very complex training exercise at a military base in South Australia.

"What you get is this very complex and very compelling portrait."

Dr Nelson says the items will stay at the memorial and remain on display for the foreseeable future.

"Today is another significant milestone in our progressive commemoration and understanding of the war in Afghanistan and what more than 25 Australian men and women have done in Australia's name over the last decade," he said.

"It's a subject of fascination and education to actually have a look at what Australian soldiers actually use."

Appeal to veterans for personal items

Dr Nelson is also sending a message to other veterans of the Afghanistan campaign.

"If you have anything of a personal nature that you are prepared to hand to the Australian War Memorial we will treat it with honour and respect," he said.

"It will always be here for Australians to see, read and understand.

He says items of interest include everyday equipment used while on duty, letters and diaries.

"Our history is in the progress of being made in Afghanistan as we approach the drawdown," Dr Nelson said.

"It's important that those of us who lead at the Australian War Memorial understand our responsibility to tell this story for this and future generations."

It's a fundamental human yearning to be a part of something bigger than one's self, and maybe that's what drove my mate Ash to die, far from home, in a bloody foreign war against Islamic State, writes C August Elliott.